And if Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston’s other pitcher from Japan, can seal the Red Sox’s first Fenway Park sweep of New York in 17 years on Sunday night …

They [Boston] will also have knotted post-2001 business against the Bombers. Since 2002, including their postseason clashes, the Yankees now lead in wins, 56-55.

Funny, I’m sure, if you asked fans on both sides of this rivalry, many would say that it feels more like the record is 82-29…against the team that they’re rooting for….because the losses feel like they carry 50% more of the normal hurt.